The global impact of EU sustainability legislation in Poultry World

In this edition of Poultry World we consider the global impact of EU sustainability legislation for the poultry sector. We look at the effect of noise on poultry production, how CT scans are assisting in inspecting poultry bone fracture, and strategies for reducing antibiotic use in chickens. Also, how do we get to grips with a rodent infestation in a poultry house?

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Prevention of avian influenza spread through wet markets is a must

An international team reveals that the speed at which a subtype of avian influenza can spread in Asia’s live bird markets is high. The team’s model found that more than 90% of chickens that enter these markets without having been previously exposed to the H9N2 subtype become infected with it if they remain there for the day.

Global impact of EU sustainability legislation for the poultry sector and beyond

The new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive arising from the European Green Deal and its accompanying Financing Sustainable Growth action plan is still “a shadowy thing” even for European companies. This legislation has major implications for Europe and beyond.

Getting to grips with rodent infestation at poultry facilities

Rodents are common pests in and around poultry facilities, and their breeding potential is significant. An invasions of rats, mice and other rodents can cause a tremendous amount of damage to farm buildings and poultry production. Strict control programmes should be put in place.

CT scan useful for inspecting poultry bone fractures

Animal welfare officers at slaughterhouses are tasked with identifying and recording poultry bone fractures. CT scans can provide a useful addition to this visual inspection.

The bigger picture…

The recent climate catastrophe in Brazil caused significant flooding and resulted in the death of 1.2 million birds, or €35 million in losses.

Navigating nitrogen through poultry diets for sustainability gains

Animal protein demand and consumption is on the rise, and while the global chicken market is predicted to grow, it amplifies the need to address industry challenges, including the nitrogen emissions produced by animals and the impact of production on natural resources. Can emissions be reduced without compromising welfare, health, performance or profit?

Noise effects on poultry production often overlooked

Noise is everywhere, but issues affecting poultry performance usually arise from over-exposure to sound from electric generators, heating systems and mechanical fans, vehicle movements, aircraft and human factors. This article is intended to highlight the negative effects of noise and the often underestimated measures that can be taken to alleviate many of these effects.

Keeping birds’ body temperature in the thermoneutral zone

The average temperature on earth is expected to increase by 1.5-3°C this century, with serious impacts on nature. This will also affect the global poultry industry by increasing the potential for heat stress. Chickens cannot sweat, as we all know. So how do chickens lose heat, and how can we prevent heat stress?

Profiling poultry meat and eggs with metabolomics

Metabolomics allows systematic and comprehensive profiling of existing metabolites in poultry meat and eggs to improve their quality which, in turn, will improve consumer health. Metabolomics are further paving the way towards increasing the authenticity of poultry products with great accuracy and specificity.

Strategies for reducing antibiotic use in chickens

Nutritional and management strategies can be adopted to prevent disease in poultry, thereby reducing the need for antibiotics. These methods may require more labour, capital or material on farms, raising production costs. But, in the long term, increased costs of alternative methods to prevent disease are compensated for by the advantages gained…

Optimal protein diet improves egg production and reproductive tract morphology

A shortage of protein resources in poultry feed is an important limiting factor affecting poultry productivity. In addition, nitrogen emissions from the poultry industry is an increasing environmental concern affected by dietary amino acid balance. A key strategy to overcome these issues is to optimise protein raw material consumption and improve gut microbiota through proper high-quality protein intake.

Column: Better for animal and farmer

Discussions around animal welfare have increased, and as a broiler breeder researcher, Rick van Emous believes this is a worthwhile discussion to have. He shares his thoughts.

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